Z4, should I go for a sport roadster or SE roadster

[Mudstud]

Her indoors wants a Z4, should I get a sports roadster or SE roadster. I was told the only real difference is the wheels! Seems odd, which one costs more? Any tips?

[Mattt]

Mudstud said:

Her indoors wants a Z4, should I get a sports roadster or SE roadster. I was told the only real difference is the wheels! Seems odd, which one costs more? Any tips?

These will be post-facelift, so the Sport comes with the M-Sport suspension which is harder. IIRC.

[Sticks2]

All the pre facelift 3.0s came with sports suspension and 18"s I think.

Main deciding factor might be the seats. Sports seats are narrow and if you're not, well.... But they do support well, unlike the SE ones (which I got d'oh)

Ditch the run flats and the ride is firm but no longer jarring.

Don't rule out the auto's though, it was my first and I wouldn't go back to three pedals now.

[JimexPL]

Sticks2 said:

All the pre facelift 3.0s came with sports suspension and 18"s I think.
Main deciding factor might be the seats. Sports seats are narrow and if you're not, well.... But they do support well, unlike the SE ones (which I got d'oh)

You're right - all pre facelift cars have sport suspension (there was no sport model, only SE). 18" were an option though, which most have but the 17s fitted to the 3.0 suit it well also.
All 3.0 are quite well specified with leather, electric seats etc.
Sports seats are rare on the pre facelift cars and only worth seeking out if the narrow back if ok for your build - even though I would prefer more support the sport seats give me back ache.

[DSM2]

My Mrs has a 2.0SE. We tried a sport but the ride was significantly harder and less comfortable. Probaly handled better but main objective here is a car that looks OK and roof comes off, not out and out performance.

1 year old now, no issues at all. Only thing wife says is she would like a bit more power. 150bhp but long geared so never really feels lively. Next time will prob get her a 2.5.

[Sticks2]

JimexPL said:

Sticks2 said:

All the pre facelift 3.0s came with sports suspension and 18"s I think.
Main deciding factor might be the seats. Sports seats are narrow and if you're not, well.... But they do support well, unlike the SE ones (which I got d'oh)

You're right - all pre facelift cars have sport suspension (there was no sport model, only SE). 18" were an option though, which most have but the 17s fitted to the 3.0 suit it well also.
All 3.0 are quite well specified with leather, electric seats etc.
Sports seats are rare on the pre facelift cars and only worth seeking out if the narrow back if ok for your build - even though I would prefer more support the sport seats give me back ache.

Not beige are they? If so, could swap

[Mudstud]

Thanks for comments - I got her the sports becuase I like a firmer ride!!! Our first beemer so we will see how it goes. 17k from a BMW dealer for a 58 plate with 2000 on the clock. I did see a similar one for 16k but that one sold quick! Anyone tried chipping these for a few extra horses?

[Pulse]

Mudstud said:

Thanks for comments - I got her the sports becuase I like a firmer ride!!! Our first beemer so we will see how it goes. 17k from a BMW dealer for a 58 plate with 2000 on the clock. I did see a similar one for 16k but that one sold quick! Anyone tried chipping these for a few extra horses?

How did you manage to get a 58 plate 3.0 Sport for 17k from BMW?! Cheapest one I can see on BMW AUC site is £25k on a 58! I'd be tempted to get a convertible at that price!

[Mudstud]

Sorry was others on the thread that were talking about the 3 litre, I've gone for the 2 litre version.

[Pulse]

Mudstud said:

Sorry was others on the thread that were talking about the 3 litre, I've gone for the 2 litre version.

Ah, now that makes sense! The 2 litre version is lovely - Enjoy it!

[JimexPL]

Sticks2 said:

JimexPL said:

You're right - all pre facelift cars have sport suspension (there was no sport model, only SE). 18" were an option though, which most have but the 17s fitted to the 3.0 suit it well also.
All 3.0 are quite well specified with leather, electric seats etc.
Sports seats are rare on the pre facelift cars and only worth seeking out if the narrow back if ok for your build - even though I would prefer more support the sport seats give me back ache.

Not beige are they? If so, could swap

Black, and they're not sports seats! I drove one for about a week a while ago with sports seats and could never get comfortable in them. When I was looking to buy I specifically looked for a standard seat.

[Sticks2]

Thanks. I always regretted not having the sports seats but perhaps I'm better off. Cheers.

[Pulse]

Sticks2 said:

Thanks. I always regretted not having the sports seats but perhaps I'm better off. Cheers.

They are definitely a marmite seat. I wasn't sure on them in Fidgits' car, but I love the look of them, and apparently they are very comfortable on a long journey, which is good.

[Mattt]

I do like the Sports seats, even if I am slightly bigger build - seem comfortable to me anyway.

[Pulse]

Mattt said:

I do like the Sports seats, even if I am slightly bigger build - seem comfortable to me anyway.

I suppose it all depends what car you're coming from. Fidg was coming from an Elise, and I'm coming from an Astra VXR, which have HUGE Recaros.

[Mattt]

Pulse said:

Mattt said:

I do like the Sports seats, even if I am slightly bigger build - seem comfortable to me anyway.

I suppose it all depends what car you're coming from. Fidg was coming from an Elise, and I'm coming from an Astra VXR, which have HUGE Recaros.

Although, I'm not sure if Fidg's booster seat fits in the Sports seats

[turbo-ww]

Pulse said:

Mattt said:

I do like the Sports seats, even if I am slightly bigger build - seem comfortable to me anyway.

I suppose it all depends what car you're coming from. Fidg was coming from an Elise, and I'm coming from an Astra VXR, which have HUGE Recaros.

Interesting - I like the Beemer sports seats but I do remember many years ago the fabulous Recaros in a Mk1 Astra GTE - Fabulous car overall actually, 'bout 1984 I think.....

[Pulse]

turbo-ww said:

Pulse said:

Mattt said:

I do like the Sports seats, even if I am slightly bigger build - seem comfortable to me anyway.

I suppose it all depends what car you're coming from. Fidg was coming from an Elise, and I'm coming from an Astra VXR, which have HUGE Recaros.

Interesting - I like the Beemer sports seats but I do remember many years ago the fabulous Recaros in a Mk1 Astra GTE - Fabulous car overall actually, 'bout 1984 I think.....

Yep, it'll be hard to leave behind my fantastic recaros. They are honestly some of the best seats I've ever experienced. I wont miss the fact they squeak though!